Dustin Hale, owner of Valley Repair, stands next to an antique car that a customer left for him to work on.

Dustin Hale, owner of the new Valley Repair at 315 N. Oak, has been in business since November, but he's not new to this area. Hale was born and raised in Mancos, left for about 17 years, and then returned to be close to his family. Much of that time away was spent working for an oil company and Caterpillar.

"I've managed my own shop before, so I know something about it," said Hale. And he's worked on a lot of cars over the years. Twenty years ago, he went to what was then called San Juan Vo-Tech School - now Southwest Colorado Community College - and specialized in diesel vehicle and large equipment mechanics. But, he said, "I'll work on just about anything!"

Most of his business is local, but he gets people who are passing through and have broken down. He knows this is a difficult time of year to be opening a business, but he has confidence in his abilities and in the people of Mancos to give him a try.

"I think it's a good sign that I'm already pretty busy," he said.

The building he's in now is a great place for him to do his work, accommodating at least three vehicles at once, his parts, and and office.

Hale said he hopes to add employees once business picks up. He can be reached at 970-420-4059.